SAN FRANCISCO, March 30, (THEWILL) - The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly warned against any attempt to put pressure on the House of Representatives Committee currently probing the private jet scandal involving Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the investigation into the scandal is of great public interest, hence those who are reportedly piling pressure on the House Committee on Public Accounts should back off.

It said the allegation that the minister has spent N10 billion of taxpayers' funds to junket around the world in chartered private jets is very serious and cannot be swept under the carpet as the PDP-led Federal Government will like to do.

''Scandal is the hallmark of the PDP-led Federal Government and the presidency, hence both may not feel the public anger at the report that a minister, whose most notable 'achievement' is her contribution to Nigerians' burden with her fixation on endless fuel price increases, has been frittering away the country's resources on the altar of unprecedented profligacy.

''But Nigerians are interested in knowing the truth.

Since the presidency has shown no interest in unraveling the truth about the latest scandal to hit the country under its watch, the House of Representatives which has taken on the challenge of seeking the truth should not be hindered by anyone.

''Nigerians will like to know whether or not the minister spent the huge funds on jets, who authorised the spending of such funds, whether or not the expenditure was appropriated by the National Assembly and which laws allow a government minister to junket around the world even on private trips,'' APC said.

The party commended the House Committee on Public Accounts for its diligence and stated willingness to be fair to all and to carry out a thorough investigation.

It urged the committee members to continue to put the interest of Nigerians above any individual or party's interest and to rebuff any attempt to pressure them against carrying out their constitutional duties.